Untouchable - union shields top 22

The Rugby Union has named the 22 players it wants to miss most of the Super 14 next year, despite News Ltd concerns about the effect it will have on the competition.

In a surprise move, the union last night named the protected players All Blacks coach Graham Henry wants to undertake a conditioning programme before the World Cup.

News Ltd, which paid $664 million to renew a five-year broadcasting deal for the Super 14, is unhappy that so many top-line players will be missing from the competition.

It has suggested the NZRFU may have to pay compensation, based on the value of the players.

The two organisations have been in talks but no information about the discussions has been made public.

It is understood NZRFU chairman Jock Hobbs went to Sydney last week for discussions.

A NZRFU spokesman said last night there would be no comment other than a one-sentence quote to be attributed to Hobbs, who is at an IRB meeting in Dublin.

It said: "As a matter of courtesy, News was informed prior to the list being released publicly."

Henry said last night that the programme was vital to the welfare of New Zealand's leading players.

"Many of our best athletes have played several years of continuous rugby without a chance to really get their bodies right," he said.

"The conditioning programme is important for their well-being in the long term, and is also important to our chances of winning the World Cup."

Henry said participation in the conditioning programme did not guarantee a place in the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup squad next year.

"There is a long way to go before we name the World Cup squad and a large group of players are pushing for selection," he said. "The door is definitely open."

The players have been named now to give the Super 14 franchises time to plan their campaigns and identify players who will join their squads while the All Blacks take a break.

They are not expected to return to the competition until the eighth round, in April.

Henry said that the group of 14 forwards and eight backs would not be changed if any players in it were injured during Air New Zealand Cup games or the All Blacks' European tour in November.

Surprise omissions in the backs include wingers Rico Gear and Doug Howlett, five-eighths Luke McAlister and young centre/fullback Isaia Toeava.

Missing forwards include lock Greg Rawlinson, Marty Holah and Neemia Tialata. Also missing are Conrad Smith, James Ryan, Sione Lauaki and Troy Flavell, all of whom are recovering from injuries and will need the game time.

Prop Greg Somerville has been named in the conditioning group, even though a long-term injury will sideline him for about six months.

The Cantabrian tore his Achilles tendon during the Tri- Nations test in Pretoria.

Sanzar partners South Africa and Australia have not followed New Zealand's example and are not planning to rest players.

But Springboks coach Jake White has spoken often about his players' fatigue.

There have been negative reactions from Australia, which would struggle to run four squads in next year's competition if it took out 22 players.


Protected players

Forwards: Jerry Collins (Wellington), Jason Eaton (Taranaki), Carl Hayman (Otago), Andrew Hore (Taranaki), Chris Jack (Tasman), Richie McCaw (Canterbury), Chris Masoe (Wellington), Keven Mealamu (Auckland), Anton Oliver (Otago), Greg Somerville (Canterbury), Rodney So'oialo (Wellington), Reuben Thorne (Canterbury), Ali Williams (Auckland), Tony Woodcock (North Harbour).

Backs: Dan Carter (Canterbury), Byron Kelleher (Waikato), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Aaron Mauger (Canterbury), Mils Muliaina (Waikato), Joe Rokocoko (Auckland), Sitiveni Sivivatu (Waikato), Piri Weepu (Wellington).